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Lions release Rogers

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - This is not what the Detroit Lions or Charles Rogers had in mind when the wide receiver was drafted second overall three years ago.

After being cut Saturday, his career in Detroit ended with just 36 receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns along with two broken collarbones and a four-game suspension.

Saturday was the deadline for teams to cut their rosters down to 53 players.

First-year coach Rod Marinelli was unimpressed by Rogers' work ethic and production during training camp, when he was slowed by a sore knee.

The new staff also did not have a history with Rogers like team president Matt Millen, who drafted the former Michigan State star and gave him a $14.2 million signing bonus.

Rogers simply wasn't deemed good enough to make Marinelli's team, which is valuing hard work over talent.

"We picked the men that are right for this football team," Marinelli said. "It's behind us. I wish him the very best. We just move on."

Marinelli said Rogers didn't show up Saturday morning at the team's practice facility in Allen Park.

Marinelli said director of pro personnel Sheldon White left two messages for Rogers and informed his agent, Kevin Poston, of the team's decision.

Falcons waive former Bulldog Mallard

FLOWERY BRANCH - Atlanta waived former Georgia player Josh Mallard, who was battling for a backup spot at defensive end. The team decided to keep rookie free agent Paul Carrington, also cutting Josh Savage.

Defensive tackle Chad Lavalais, who started 20 games over the last two seasons, was the most notable player waived by the Falcons.

Lavalais, a fifth-round draft pick out of LSU in 2004, started six games as a rookie and all 14 games he played last season.

The 6-foot-1, 292-pounder made 33 tackles, including 21/2 sacks, on a defense that gave up more rushing yards than any team in the league in 2005.

Four receivers - Jerome Pathon, Robert Redd, Troy Bergeron and Jamin Elliott - also were cut.

Pathon began training camp as the projected third receiver, but played so poorly that the team traded T.J. Duckett as part of a three-team deal to acquire Ashley Lelie from Denver.

Punter Tony Yelk and kicker Miro Kesic were placed on waivers as Atlanta moved closer to letting Michael Koenen handle all three kicking duties: punting, field goals and kickoffs.

Coach Jim Mora said the team would scan the waiver wire before the Sept. 10 opener against Carolina to see if there's a punter available who might be able to take some of the burden off Koenen, who punted and kicked off last season.

Broncos cut RB Dayne, WR Watts

Denver released Ron Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner who entered the Broncos' training camp as the starter.

Dayne also was a flop with the New York Giants, who drafted him in 2000 out of Wisconsin, where he set the NCAA career rushing record.

But he could find a taker in Houston, which is coached by former Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. The Texans placed their top runner, Domanick Davis, on injured reserve Saturday.

The Broncos also cut Darius Watts, a second-round pick in 2004 who expected to be Denver's No. 3 receiver.

Browns drop Suggs, place Green on IR

Cleveland cut often-injured Lee Suggs. The running back led the Browns with 744 yards rushing two years ago. But he missed 23 of 48 career games with neck, shoulder, toe, ankle and thumb injuries.

The Browns also placed William Green on injured reserve. Green led them to the playoffs as a rookie and has overcome personal problems.

Patriots bolster receivers with Gabriel

With Deion Branch still a holdout, New England acquired wide receiver Doug Gabriel from Oakland.